Ludwigia Super Red Mini

Ludwigia sp. 'Super Red Mini'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Onagraceae

📍 South America

Ludwigia Super Red Mini is a highly popular aquascape stem plant producing small, rounded leaves of an intense, uniform blood-red colour that few other plants can match. The compact leaf size and bushy growth habit make it more versatile than larger ludwigia species — it works equally well in nano tanks and as a detailed midground splash of colour in larger aquascapes. Adequate iron and CO2 are key to maintaining colour intensity.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle grazers that won't damage plant tissue and help control algae without harming delicate leaves

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Excellent algae control and plant-safe; their activity complements planted tank aesthetics

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or consume the plant; adds movement without disturbance

good

Otocinclus

Algae-eating fish that respects plants and helps maintain tank cleanliness without damaging foliage

good

Anubias Nana

Excellent companion plant with similar water parameter requirements; contrasting leaf size and shape enhance aquascaping

excellent

Java Moss

Low-light tolerant moss that complements the bright red coloration and provides additional texture and shelter

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Micronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing of new leaves, pale or washed-out red coloration, stunted growth, interveinal chlorosis

Treatment

Increase iron and trace element supplementation; perform 25–30% water changes weekly and verify fertilizer dosing matches tank bioload. Test water parameters and adjust fertilizer type if needed

Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard, Green Spot)

Symptoms

Dark or green algae coating on leaves and stems, reduced light penetration, plant appears smothered

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8–10 hours daily, increase water circulation, manually remove affected leaves, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, and maintain consistent CO2 and nutrient balance

Melting (Tissue Decay)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems soften and collapse

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, ensure adequate CO2 and lighting, check for ammonia/nitrite spikes, and remove severely affected tissue. This often resolves as the plant acclimates

Slow Growth / Stunting

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development, small pale leaves, plant appears dormant despite adequate light

Treatment

Verify CO2 injection is active (target 20–30 ppm), increase macronutrient fertilization, ensure substrate contains aquasoil or nutrient-rich substrate, and maintain stable water parameters within recommended ranges